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Airborne Radar Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CHAOS Industries

Radar Software Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

... operators, and border protection teams to act faster, adapt rapidly, and stay ahead of evolving ... Development experience in Ground or Airborne Sensors (Radars, EO/IR, EW, etc.) * Experience ...

CHAOS Industries

Radar Software Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

... operators, and border protection teams to act faster, adapt rapidly, and stay ahead of evolving ... Development experience in Ground or Airborne Sensors (Radars, EO/IR, EW, etc.) * Experience ...

TCOM, L.P.

OCONUS Aerostat Operator

Mena, AR · On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

Electronic Maintenance candidates with an in-depth background with radar, ISR, EW, communication, avionics repair, and troubleshooting. * ISR operators with an in-depth background with airborne or ...

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How much do airborne radar operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for airborne radar operator in the United States is $24.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Airborne Radar Operator job?

An Airborne Radar Operator is responsible for monitoring and interpreting radar systems on aircraft to detect, track, and analyze objects, weather patterns, or potential threats. They work in military, law enforcement, or civilian aviation settings to support missions such as surveillance, reconnaissance, and search-and-rescue operations. Their duties include operating radar equipment, analyzing radar data, and communicating findings to the flight crew or command centers. This role requires specialized training, strong situational awareness, and the ability to work in high-pressure environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Airborne Radar Operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Airborne Radar Operator, you need a solid understanding of radar systems, spatial awareness, and typically a background in aviation or military training. Proficiency with advanced radar consoles, navigation software, and often security clearances or military certifications are required. Attention to detail, quick decision-making, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills in this role. These abilities are vital for ensuring accurate detection, communication, and mission success in high-pressure, dynamic airborne environments.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

Airborne Radar Operators typically do not earn $300,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive, medical, legal, or specialized technical roles. High-paying jobs in the military or defense industry, including certain senior positions or contractors with advanced skills and security clearances, can reach or exceed this level. Achieving this salary often requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership responsibilities.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

An Airborne Radar Operator can earn around $10,000 per month through military service or specialized defense contractor roles, often requiring technical training, security clearances, and experience with radar systems. These positions typically do not require a college degree but do demand specialized skills and certifications. High-paying roles in this field are usually found in government or defense sectors with strict qualification standards.

What does a typical workday look like for an Airborne Radar Operator?

A typical workday for an Airborne Radar Operator involves operating radar and surveillance equipment onboard aircraft, monitoring airspace or ground activity, and communicating critical findings to pilots and mission teams. Operators analyze real-time radar data, coordinate with aircrew, and may participate in pre-flight briefings and post-mission debriefs. The role demands close collaboration with both flight and mission personnel, often during long or irregular hours, depending on operations. This environment is dynamic and requires adaptability as missions and assignments may frequently change on short notice.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

Airborne Radar Operators typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are usually associated with executive roles, specialized surgeons, or successful entrepreneurs. Highly experienced professionals in certain fields like investment banking or tech may reach this level, but it is uncommon for military or technical roles like radar operators. Achieving this income often requires advanced skills, certifications, and leadership positions.

How to become a radar operator?

To become an airborne radar operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training in radar systems and aviation operations. Military roles often require basic security clearance and completion of technical training programs, while civilian positions may require certifications in radar technology and relevant experience with electronic systems.
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What states have the most Airborne Radar Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Airborne Radar Operator jobs include:
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Airborne Radar Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Airborne Radar Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% Full Time, 84% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,869 per year, or $24.5 per hour.
F-22 Simulator Instructor Pilot

F-22 Simulator Instructor Pilot

The Air Force Civilian Service

Panama City, FL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Air Force Civilian Service rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 93 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 46 rated military and defense

Job description

Come be a part of something big! Smart Minds, Cool Jobs and Awesome Rewards! Fueled by innovation, talent and ambition, the Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS) is seeking civilian professionals prepared to deploy war-winning capabilities on behalf of the United States Air Force.
The Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS) is currently looking civilian full-time F-22 Simulator Pilot Instructor, GS-2181-13 located at the 1st Training Support Squadron, Panama City, Tyndall AFB, FL.
Incentives available based on eligibility:
Superior Qualifications Pay/Step and leave accrual based on experience
In this role, you will serve as an Instructor Simulator Pilot, providing fifth generation fighter aircraft simulator and academic courses following the prescribed syllabus for the graduate fighter pilot flying training program; instructs students in the full range of fighter aircraft maneuvers or capabilities necessary to meet the needs of an operational unit's mission. Develop goals, monitor and evaluate training program success, and provide technical expertise to program changes.
Minimum Flight Hour Requirements (Flight Logs are mandatory):
1500 Total Flight Hours
250 Pilot-In-Command Hours
75 Night Flying Hours
75 flight hours of Instrument Time (at least 10 hours must be in actual instrument conditions)
500 Instructor Time Flight Hours (Fixed Wing)
NOTE: position requires prior fighter aviation instructor experience
Mandatory documents:
Flight Logs
FAA Certifications, following will be accepted:
Fixed wing with Instrument rating
Certificated flight instructor
Military instructor pilot rating
DD 214 (Member 4)
Qualifications:
o Must be a US Civilian
o Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).
o This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position
o MUST have fighter aviation experience to be considered.
o Recent experience is defined as within the last 10 years... preferably 5 years
o Previous experience as an instructor/mission commander in fighter aircraft (F-22, F-35, F-15A/B/C/D, F-15E/EX, F-16A/B/C/D, F-18E/F, F-18A,C, F-18G), airborne radar experience, and/or graduation from USAF Weapons School, USN Weapons School (Top Gun), or experience as a USAF Aggressor is highly desired and be knowledgeable in RADAR, AIM-120, and AIM-9 systems.
o Knowledge of aircraft systems and operating procedures, advanced instrument techniques, aerobatic maneuvers, close formation flying, high-speed low-level flight, aerial refueling, aggressor and defensive combat, and range missions with ordnance, as well as knowledge of 4th and/or 5th generation fighter aircraft, and of the operation, characteristics, and limitations of the corresponding aircraft simulator.
o Knowledge of the methods, principles, practices, and programs related to curriculum development, instructional techniques, and training resources.
o Knowledge of the Instructional Systems Development (ISD) process, requirements of fighter pilot training, and the pilot training syllabus.
o Skill in the use of a variety of computer applications and software, to include simulator systems sufficient to meet desired learning objectives and to demonstrate flying procedures and maneuvers. Ability to teach multiple academic courses while using computer based teaching aides.
Click the apply button to complete an application and upload resume (PDF or Word Doc) and/or additional documents (Transcripts, certifications, Vet Docs (DD214), SF-50).
To receive additional information about current and future job openings with AFCS via email notification, please subscribe at www.Afciviliancareers.com and sign up to "Get Career Updates."
U.S. citizenship required. AFCS is Equal Opportunity Employer. Must be of legal working age.

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